BARRA DE NAVIDAD HISTORY
HISTORY OF BARRA DE NAVIDAD
The village of Barra de Navidad has been known by many names over the years. Originally it was known by the names of Puerto Santo, Puerto de Cihuatlán, Puerto de Juan Gallego, Puerto de la Purificación, Puerto de Xalisco, and Puerto de la Natividad. It was a Viceroy from Spain who named is Puerto de la Navidad because Spanish explorers made landfall in this port on a Christmas day. Captain Juan Fernández de Híjar —founder of Villa Purificación, found Puerto de la Navidad around the year 1535, “in a time of great need,” as he himself said. In time, a village and many ships were built on the shores of this Port. The village was built on a sandbar and the name was later changed to Barra de la Navidad for the bar of sand she sits on. The ships were built to support Spanish expeditions further west.
60 years ago, In 1964 the governments and people of Mexico and the Philippines celebrated the “Year of the Mexican-Filipino Friendship”. This celebration commemorated the joint agreement reached by Presidents López Mateos and Macapagal four centuries after a historic nautical expedition left from the Pacific Coast of Mexico and went to the Philippine Islands in search of gold. This nautical expedition fleet set forth by King Phillips II was made of 5 ships and about 350 men. All of Western Mexico had to be mobilized to support the undertaking of this expedition. Roads were built to bring ship building supplies from as far away as what is now Guadalajara. To this day, the main road between Guadalajara and Barra is known as Philippine Way. They left in the early morning of November 21, 1564 from what came to be known as Barra de la Navidad. The Spanish-Mexican expedition set out, under the command of the governor Miguel López de Legazpi and the Augustinian friar Andrés de Urdaneta. * The expedition crossed the Pacific in 93 days and made their first landfall in Isla de los Ladrones, which they identify by the type of sails on their boats and canoes that they saw. This island we now know of as Guam. From there they set sail for the islands now known as the Philippines.Legazpi did not tell the crew their final destination when they set sail and when they arrived in the Philippines he stayed. He put is 17 year old grandson at the helm to get the expedition fleet back to Mexico. This was return trip was both arduous and triumphant as supposedly no one had ever gone back to Mexico up until this point.
*Many historians have spent years pouring over historic documents to determine the exact location from which the expedition set sail from Mexico. Some have contended that the further south from Barra de Navidad perhaps in Manzanillo or further still off the State of Colima. However more have determined that there is not the slightest doubt that the expedition of López de Legazpi and Urdaneta to the Philippine Islands left from Puerto de la Navidad which certainly adds to the significant history of Barra de Navidad.
Just as Barra de Navidad was the jumping off point for many early sailing expeditions, Barra de Navidad is also home to the Ocean Posse Annual Kick-off Event. Posse events, seminars and gatherings occur on a small island across the lagoon from the town of Barra de Nadivad on Isla de la Navidad. Many sailors have and continue to set sail from this port for the adventure of their lives.
THREE GREAT STOPS EN ROUTE TO THE KICK OFF PARTY
THREE WEST COAST DESTINATIONS
JUST SOUTH FROM THE WEST COAST OF THE USA
EN ROUTE TO SEASON 8
KICK OFF PARTY IN BARRA
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The Ocean Posse highly recommends checking into Mexico in Ensenada as opposed to Isla Cedros. Mainly, if you are looking for a more efficient check-in, Ensenada has localized, reliable office hours and staffing in comparison to Isla Cedros. Either way, once your vessel and crew are cleared in you are free to begin voyaging the Mexican coast at your leisure. While making your way to the Season 8 Kick Off Party in Barra De Navidad, Mexico there are many incredible destinations along the way. 3 destinations are highlighted below: Islas San Benito del Oeste, Man of War Cove (or Puerto Magdalena in Bahia Magdalena), and Isla Isabela. Each incredible. Each unique. Each only accessible by boat. |
DESTINATION 1: Islas San Benito del Oeste,
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The Islas San Benito is a group of three small islets that lie in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the Baja Peninsula, about 225nm SE of Ensenada and 55nm NW of Bahia Turtugas. The islands are surrounded by rocks and patches of algae so careful watch is required. Many birds and marine mammals are on, along, and surrounding these shores. There is a small community on the island; the 2001 census recorded a population of two people in Benito del Oeste The other islands are not inhabited. There is a cooperative abalone aquafarm there worked by people from nearby islands. If you are lucky enough to have the weather window to drop your hook, do not miss the chance.
DESTINATION 2: Man of War Cove (or Puerto Magdalena in Bahia Magdalena) 
Latitude: 24°38.918'N Longitude: 112°08.013W
Man of War Cove (or Puerto Magdalena) is merely the beginning of the wonder that is Bahia Magdalena. After spending time on the ocean along the pacific side of the Baja, turning into the expansive and protective bay of Bahia Magdalena is quite a sight. Bahia Magdalena is all but cut off from the ocean by a varied stretch of long, narrow, tall barrier islands. Inside the 325 square mile bay there are expansive estuaries, sand dunes, and mangroves that a wide variety of wildlife call home. Northern Grey Whales migrate there annually from January to April to breed and have their calves. Bahia Magdalena is their sanctuary and it is a truly special place to enter into. In the small village of Puerto Magdalena one may find a small tienda with light provisions. There are multiple options in the larger town of San Carlos further east into the bay.
DESTINATION 3: Isla Isabel Mexico
21° 50.4960' N, 105° 52.9730' W
Crossing ESE from the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Isla Isabella is a small island found 15nm off mainland Mexico south of Mazatlan. This island is a bird sanctuary that some people refer to as the Galapagos of Mexico. The island is teaming with blue footed boobies, frigate birds, and iguanas. The near shore waters are frequented by humpback whales and dolphins and home to a myriad of small fish. The island can be explored on foot on multiple trails, in the water with a snorkel mask, or along the tide line at low tide. There are three main anchorages each providing protection from a different wind and sea states and yet the island is a small isolated offshore island so getting a weather window to stop and enjoy Isla Isabella is an opportunity to be thankful for. It is definitely unforgettable.
https://goodnautical.com/mexico-pacific/anchorage/isla-isabella
Sailing to Mexico from the Pacific Northwest: Hazards and Resources
Sailing to Mexico from the Pacific Northwest:
Hazards and Resources
By Rob and Debra Murray from SV AVANT as previously published in Currents Magazine
About the Hazards
As you set out on your sail to Mexico from the Pacific Northwest, there are numerous hazards you will encounter. For most, the only defense is a good watch.
Fishing Boats
Most vessels inshore are commercial fishing boats, and many do not use AIS, so other fishermen don’t know where they are fishing. At night, they usually light up like stadiums hosting a World Cup game and are easy to spot. They tend to congregate on offshore banks or directly offshore from ports on the coast. Some fishermen have begun using AIS beacons on fishing gear, which is a bonus.
Debris
Floating debris, especially logs, can be an issue, particularly during or immediately following heavy rains or large tides, and especially off of larger rivers or inlets.
Crab Pots
Crab pots are endemic. While there has been an effort to create a crab pot free zone down the coast, its observance is marginal and equipment drifts into the the lanes anyways. The consortium that manages the lanes hasn’t met to update the agreement since 2017. Note that in areas subject to strong current, commercial crabbers will generally use two buoys, one to hold the line up and a second on a further 10 feet or so of line that will still be visible and retrievable, even when the first buoy has been pulled under by the current. It’s easier to tangle a buoy in your prop if the current is slack and both buoys are lying idle on the surface.
Bars
Of course, everyone worries about the dreaded ‘bar crossings’ that may be encountered. After all, they do call the Columbia Bar the ‘Graveyard of the Pacific’, right? But if you’re crossing at a slack or flood in weather that isn’t horrible, none of the bar crossings are difficult. In Avant’s passage down the coast, we entered Astoria (the aforementioned ‘graveyard of the Pacific’), Coos Bay and Humboldt Bay/Eureka (widely considered the second worst bar crossing), and had no trouble at all. Our timing had us arriving at each bar on or near slack water, with a slight edge to the flood tide. Many mariners recommend using the last of the flood tide as the optimum time for a bar crossing, when the water is deepest. Waves at each entrance were under two feet, and the period was long, as predicted by the forecasts we sailed under. Charting was universally excellent.
Each harbour with a bar has a coast guard station that can offer advice, an up-to-the-minute bar report, and will even send out a cutter or other boat to guide you in if conditions warrant (we availed ourselves of this at Coos Bay when visibility dropped to under 200’). If you get caught out by a closed bar, you just have to gut it out until the bar reopens, but with modern weather forecasts and a modicum of planning,
this is highly unlikely. (Note that the coast guard definition of a ‘small craft’ in bar closing advisories is a vessel under 65’ in length.)
Available Resources
The following resources can make this specific passage more pleasant and perhaps less challenging:
Weather Information
No doubt you have attended courses, read books, downloaded software, studied weather patterns, learned how to download a variety of GRIBs, receive weather faxes, decode 500mb charts, toss chicken bones and generally worked really hard to prepare for cruising by becoming your own expert weather forecaster. Well, on this trip, those skills can be used for entertainment value or simply allowed to rest. (Don’t worry, you will use those skills south of the USA/Mexico border).
The NOAA forecasters are as good as it gets, and there are dedicated teams in each of Washington, Oregon and Northern California working around the clock to deliver the most accurate weather forecast possible. These forecasts are available via VHF on the usual WX channels to a considerable range offshore (usually at least 50 miles, often 100+). The forecast zones extend to 250 miles offshore in discrete steps, and the forecast zones are quite small. In addition to the forecast, each weather office provides a ‘discussion’, which underscores the reasons for the forecast offered, how the models informed (or did not inform) the forecasts, what’s likely to follow the forecast period, and any other juicy tidbits the forecaster(s) think might be interesting. You can find the discussion by going to the forecasting office’s webpage and looking for the ‘discussion’ button.
If you want to ‘play along’ with the forecaster, you can download the GRIBs (GFS and NDFD editions) and see if you get the same conclusions.
Live and near live weather observations are also available from the national weather service by finding the ‘observations’ button on the left side of the forecast page. These vary in frequency from every few hours to live, depending on location and observation station type. There are dozens of these between Neah Bay and San Francisco.
Enjoy the weather forecasts. They end at the Mexico USA border and it becomes far more basic there.
Wave Patterns
Waves offshore contribute substantially to the (dis)comfort the crew experience on the passage. Aboard Avant, we have found waves change character at depths of about 60m/200’. When the depths we sail in are under 60m, the waves seem to have a different character, a more insistent vertical component, than they do in greater depths. We always aim to be in depths greater than 60m/200’ whenever possible. When closing the coast, expect waves to ‘feel’ stronger, even if they are not visibly any bigger. Also when closing the coast, watch for secondary wave trains from reflections off shorelines where the shores are steep to, or a change in wave direction where a wave train may wrap a point or headland. And there are also outliers such as this one.
Generally, wave height has very little to do with discomfort aboard; it is the ratio of wave height to period that creates difficulty. When waves are ‘square’ (wave height in feet = wave period in seconds), no one will have any fun aboard, whether the waves are 3’ or 8’ high. We choose not to sail in square waves. When the period extends to 1.5x the wave height, conditions become much more tolerable. When the period is 2x or greater wave height, the gentle rise and fall is barely noticeable after a while.
When traveling with the wave train, the apparent period will be longer, and when traveling against the wave train the apparent period will be shorter. Take this into account when evaluating wave predictions.
Guidebooks
The NOAA Coast Pilot 7 is a free download and covers the coast from Neah Bay to the Mexican border. You will want to read chapter three, and use chapters seven to thirteen in reverse order as you transit south. This volume, over 700 pages, is a comprehensive mariners guide to the coast, its character, and its hazards. It is updated weekly, so make sure you have the latest edition downloaded.
There are commercial cruising guides available for the Columbia River and San Francisco Bay, but we found they added little to what the Coast Pilot provided for free.
The USCG has produced a general bar crossing guide with lots of relevant information. Individual bar crossing guides are available as well, and some can be found on this list. The following bar crossing guides (in pdf format) provide specific information about hazards for each bar crossing:
- Quillayute Bar Hazards
- Grays Harbour Bar Hazards
- Rogue River Bar Hazards
- Tillamook Bay Bar Hazards
- Yaquina Bay Bar Hazards
- Umpqua River Bar Hazards
- Depoe Bay Bar Hazards
- Columbia River Bar Hazards
- Coquille River Bar Hazards
- Chetco Bar Hazards
US Coast Guard
The US Coast Guard is a highly professional military search and rescue operation, and operates multiple stations up and down the coast. From late May through Labor Day, they also operate a number of seasonal stations, some located on the jetties surrounding bar crossings. They can be reached by VHF or by telephone (numbers are in the Coast Pilot, or on their website. Note them down before you go). Their VHF coverage is typically at least 25-50 miles offshore, and we found cell coverage was passable at 8-10 miles offshore and excellent at 5. It is ALWAYS worth calling by VHF or cell phone to get a bar forecast before committing to crossing any bar on the coast.
Charts
NOAA charts (both raster and vector) are free downloads and can be used in navigation programs like OpenCPN. They are frequently updated, and OpenCPN has a chart downloader that will automatically update your electronic charts directly from NOAA. Proprietary e-chart sets like C-Map or Navionics are also updated, but not as frequently. Like milk, bread and beer, charts are best fresh, so do use the free resources to ensure you have the most up to date information aboard. Paper charts for backup can be purchased individually, or you can get a ‘chart book’ that covers large sections of the coast. We elected to do the latter, buying two MAPTECH Chartbooks that covered the coast from the Canadian border to the Mexican border.
SY AVANT 🇨🇦 Rob & Debra – Beneteau 43.5
MUST HAVE'S FOR CRUISING TO MEXICO
WHEN STORAGE SPACE IS LIMITTED...
MUST HAVE'S FOR CRUISING TO MEXICO
FOOD
First off, a love of tacos will serve every traveler to Mexico well. Tacos throughout Mexico are tasty, available everywhere every day of the week, affordable, and generally delicious!
Second, know that most markets big and small are very well stocked in Mexico.
Third, some items will be beautifully presented in bulk in covered market spaces.
Over the years more and more people are cruising to Mexico from the north and the south and finding that provisioning in Mexico is overall excellent particularly in larger towns. In most larger coastal towns like Ensenada, Cabo, La Paz, Loreto, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, etc... there are multiple large competing supermarkets (like Chedraui, Soriana, Walmart, Sam's Club, La Comer...etc), plus many smaller, local markets, and produce stands. In fact, excluding certain specialty foods that you may love in a certain brand (i.e. Jiffy Peanut Butter), most larger towns now have broad specialty provisioning possibilities. That said, as one visits smaller and smaller communities the selection may lessen and in an eye opening way so it is wise to provision well in large communities.
Nonetheless, one can depend on finding food provisions easily throughout Mexico and does not need to arrive in Mexico with their vessel stocked to the gills with a full pantry. Nowadays, some people are filling their hard to reach storage spots with special treats that bring them joy or could be fun gifts to bring others the taste of their homeport. For example, a buddy boat from the Pacific Northwest packed several cases of homepacked salmon to enjoy and give away. With this in mind, people are finding that they are fine to fill their stores with enough food for their passage to their next big port (plus a little) whether it is Ensenada or Chiapas, and save the rest of their storage for other items less easily acquired in Mexico.
BOAT SPARES AND PARTS
Often boats and boat owners are pretty brand and/or quality specific. These types of items may or may not be found easily and locally in Mexico. Often specialty and/or brand specific marine parts need to be ordered in which adds cost and time. For example, our boat has a fair bit of brightwork which we choose to keep up on. That being said, while we have tried many different varnishes and techniques over the years we always load up on the particular material we are using when and where we can because we stick to one product at a time. Mind you, there is Varnish for sale in Mexico, it just may not be the brand you (or we) are loyal to and, if imported, it may be twice as much. For this reason, many people load their vessel up with spares and boat maintenance materials that they are particularly loyal to.
Additionally, many people head to Mexico with boat projects in mind as labor and yard costs are more affordable in Mexico than in the neighboring USA. For this reason, some people will sail to Mexico with parts they plan to use in a project. Use Storage Space for these specialty parts and products that would otherwise need to be imported. Additionally, as engines and generators are very part specific, many people fill their stores with basic spares and filters for your engine and/or generator.
Equally important to note: Mexico is the land of 'Fix it' not 'Replace it'. To this day I wish I took a picture of a plastic chair we found on an empty beach under the shade of a beautiful tree. The chair was old, battered, AND laced together with fishing twine continuing to serve its purpose to any and all who pass by. Similarly, things like alternators and starter motors are often torn down, rebuilt, and reimstalled rather than torn out, thrown away, and replaced. The key to success here is a willingness to ask locals and look for the local specialist for whatever repair one needs. Mexico is full of smart, resourceful, and talented people that make and fix things. Understanding and speaking Spanish, and at the very least trying ones best, is a very important tool in ones toolbox when travelling in Mexico.
PERSONAL/HEALTH CARE
Pharmacies are well stocked and widely distributed in Mexico. Many medicines that are controlled in the USA can be bought without prescription in Mexico. Our first aid kit has been easily maintained and readily built up in Mexico.
GUNKHOLING FROM SAN DIEGO TO BARRA DE NAVIDAD
GUNKHOLE *
FROM SAN DIEGO TO
BARRA DE NAVIDAD 
MX
* to make a series of short pleasure trips by boat, as from bay to bay
⓪ San Diego Police Dock 32° 42.537′ N 117° 14.10543′ W – ⛽💧
① Ensenada Cruiseport Village Marina 31° 51.2766′ N 116° 37.2433′ W 60 nm ⛽💧
② Punta Santo Tomas 31° 33.1589 N 116° 40.6879 W 18 nm
③ Bahia Colonet Bight 30° 57.9028 N 116° 17.0747 W 40 nm
④ Isla San Martin North Bay 30° 29.178 N 116° 6.1356 W 30 nm
⑤ Bahia San Quintin 30° 22.5924′ N 115° 59.0887′ W 9 nm
⑥ Isla San Gernomio 29° 47.3276′ N 115° 47.4296′ W 37 nm
⑦ Fondadero San Carlos 29° 37.3596′ N 115° 28.565′ W 19 nm
⑧ Isla Cedros N 28° 20.212′ N 115° 11.434′ W 79 nm
⑨ Turtle Bay / Bahia Tortugas 27° 41.2544′ N 114° 53.2545′ W 42 nm⛽💧
⑩ Bahia Asuncion 27° 08.1355′ N 114° 17.4206′ W 46 nm⛽ 💧
⑪ Bahia San Hipolito 26° 59.3362′ N 113° 57.6966′ W 20 nm
⑫ Bahia Ballenas 26° 46.0426′ N 113° 30.0266′ W 28 nm
⑬ San Juanico / Scorpion Bay 26° 14.7986′ N 112° 28.333′ W 64 nm
⑭ Bahia Santa Maria 24° 46.133′ N 112° 15.441′ W 90 nm
⑮ Cabo San Lucas East 22° 53.304′ N 109° 53.844′ W *172 nm ⛽💧
⑯ Los Frailes 23° 22.836′ N 109° 25.297′ W 40 nm
⑰ Isla de Pajaros 23° 15.2645′ N 106° 28.3305′ W *163 nm ⛽💧
⑱ Isla Isabella Anchorage South 21° 50.5266′ N 105° 52.907′ W 91 nm
⑲ San Blas Outer Anchorage 21° 31.043′ N 105° 14.566′ W 41 nm ⛽💧
⑳ Punta de Mita 20° 45.764′ N 105° 31.15′ W 48 nm ⛽💧
㉑ Punta Ipala 20° 14.2306′ N 105° 34.4255′ W 32 nm
㉒ Chamela – N 19° 35.0404′ N 105° 7.8663′ W 47 nm
㉓ Isla Paraiso – E 19° 28.6194′ N 105° 3.7637′ W 8 nm
㉔ Tenacatita – Inner Bay 19° 17.9207′ N 104° 50.1528′ W 17 nm
㉕ Marina Puerto Navidad 19° 11.7294′ N 104° 40.8748′ W 11 nm ⛽💧
*overnight
MEET THE FLEET: SV SMALL WORLD III - Darren & Karen
MEET THE FLEET: SV SMALL WORLD III
Darren & Karen
After 30+ years of work in the Seattle area, Darren being a licensed professional civil engineer, and Karen an office manager; a plan was hatched to sell everything they owned, buy a sailing vessel, and travel the world. This afforded them the opportunity to retire 5-years early, planning to return to the USA at the age of 65, when healthcare becomes more affordable. June, 2020 their house of 20-years was put on the market.
June 15, 2020, Darren & Karen departed Washington in a rented motorhome bound for Ventura, California to search for a worthy blue water sailing vessel. Enter Todd Duff, Caribbean Sailor, Author, and Marine Surveyor. Todd had purchased a 1988 47.7 Bristol Cutter Rig in Florida. She was de-masted and he trucked Small World III to Ventura, California where he had worked on an extensive re-fit for an anticipated South Pacific / World Circumnavigation. Due to personal reasons, he sold SV SMALL WORLD III to Karen and Darren.
Karen and Darren departed from San Diego California, November 9, 2020 after finally receiving Certificate of Documentation from the USCG. The marina reservations in Ensenada, MX were in place. Two hours into Mexican waters the marina captain called to say, the previous owner of Small World III, (vessel named Anhinga) had a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) that had not been canceled, and instructed Karen and Darren to return to San Diego. A four hour downwind run immediately turned into a 8 hour upwind beat to return to California. While this wasn’t the beginning of the learning process, it was one of the more painful experiences. Two days later Small World III returned to Mexican waters and the adventure started AGAIN.
While in Mexico, they did some work on SMALL WORLD III and travelled inland. Highlights included, new Bimini and dodger in La Paz, new 50-gallon fuel tank in Mazatlán, and an AstraZeneca shot in small mountain village San Sabastian.
They continued to travel down the pacific coast cruising in El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama. Lessons: 1. Don’t runover lobster traps at 0400 hours leaving Turtle Bay, Mexico. 2. Don’t trust an English mechanic in La Paz, that he has fixed a leaking fuel tank. 3. Always be ready to sail your vessel because old fuel tanks cause plugged filters at the worst time. 4. make sure that your secondary anchor is available and ready for use as you sail up to anchor and find that your windlass is not operating and putting your primary anchor out of commission.
The big decision they had to make in November 2021: turn right to the South Pacific, turn left through the Panama Canal? Since French Polynesia, New Zeeland and Australia where still closed due to COVID the left turn was made December, 2021. In Panama, improvements included: new AGM batteries, a new 3.5 Kw NextGen generator, and a trip to San Diego for boat parts.
Once they got through the Canal, they spent three months learning about Caribbean Trade Winds and exploring San Blas, Shelter Bay Marina, Boca de Toro, and many other places. In March 2022, they made an upwind slog to Santa Marta Columbia. The highlight of this slog was hitting the Columbian coast 30 NM south of Cartagena and motoring into a 25 kt wind making 2.5 knots. They made an exceptionally brief stop in Cartagena for four hours to dry out and check weather. Their stay was brief, and Karen had to explain to the Port Captain on the radio that we were promptly leaving his authority and would check in to Santa Marta when we got there.
As promised their next port was Santa Marta. They checked in and then spent three months in Santa Marta, Columbia making land-based trips, to Cartagena, Bogotá, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Peruvian Amazon, Lake Titicaca, and Aramu Muru. At the marina in Santa Marta, they dropped their centerboard to its max depth of 11’ so the boys could clean the barnacles off it. After about 3 weeks in a marina that was only 11’ deep they found the centerboard pin had worked itself out of the hull on the port side. SURPRISE....A 2” diameter by 14” naval bronze pin worked its way out rendering the centerboard nonfunctional. Unfortunately, Santa Marta is not an economical place to haul out: $2,500 was the quote, excluding work, which they would not let the boat owner do. They found a better solution, but they had to work for it. In June, 2022, they commenced a 3-day upwind beat to Aruba, where they could be haul in and out for less than $600. They then took a quick couple months back in the states, returned to Small World III, which had a new centerboard pin and bottom paint. Problem solved! Then they sailed off to Curacao and Bonaire, for the balance of the hurricane season.
November 6, 2022, Karen and Darren crossed 550 nm of the Caribbean Sea from Bonaire to Saint Martin. Our buddy boat a 42-foot catamaran called 2CAN, was fraught with problems, losing their wind instruments on day 2 and engine problems on day 4. SMALL WORLD III provided wind information and weather forecasting every 6 hours for the rest of the passage and kept a close eye on them, as they motor sailed to the French side of Saint Martin.
We then ventured to Saint Kitts, Antiqua, and Guadeloupe. That’s as far as we got towards the windward Caribbean, as our destination was actually Florida to stage for our Atlantic crossing. Back we went to Saint Kitts, and Saint Martin. From there it was the BVIs, USVIs, one month in Puerto Rico, one month in Dominican Republic while Karen recovered from a broken foot. Then on to Turks, Exuma's, Bahamas, then West Palm Beach, Florida..
June 6, 2023, we departed Savannah, Georgia. They spent 21 days making way to the Azores, had an8-day weather delay, and then took 9 days to Tangier Morocco. Gibraltar, Valencia, Spain, Ibiza, Majorca, Minorca, Sardegna, Corse, Italy, Sicilia, and then in November to Tunisia, for the winter. We had checked into the EU in Valencia, and checked out in Messina, Sicily. Three months had flown by way too fast, and we were troubled by the odd looks we got at both check in and check out.
By April 2024 with new bottom and hull paint from Monastir, Tunisia, we departed for Malta. Upon entry, we were delighted to get a crew list stamped rather than our passport. Three weeks later we departed for Venice with 800 AH of new lithium batteries on board. What a game changer! To Sicilia, Italy, Croatia, finally arriving in Venice May 15, 2024. Still no stamp on the passport, yea. In Croatia, we obtained a Navigation Permit with the assistance of an Agent, and our tourist tax was paid online. In Venice, we removed our 00000 Turbo for service and cleaning, a routine item. Unfortunately, the authorized Yanmar dealer was not equipped for maintenance and only offered a new replacement at 2000 euro. We ordered a turbo core from the US. It made it to Tessera Italy in 4 days, and that’s as close as it got, about 15 NM from us. We waited for two more weeks and it was apparent that it was never going to clear customs. We left, the core went back to the US, and by the way, because the turbo was disassembled for the core replacement it ended up getting cleaned and found to be in good operating condition. Just what we wanted anyway.
SMALL WORLD III departed Venice on June 6, 2024 and went back through Croatia. They then, checked into Greece June 15, 2024 with the use of an agent. We now have a Greek Transit Log, paid for four months, thru September 2024. Still no stamp on our passport. They have since visited many islands in the Ionian Sea, and crossed the Corinth Cut on July 5, 2024. More recently, they have cruised around many islands around Athens, then north to the Sporades, followed by cruising to all four major islands, and making our way to Mykonos on a downwind run in the Aegean Sea.
We are currently in Paros, south of Mykonos, with the intent of heading east to Kos and Rhodes. We’ll try to figure out a way to visit Turkey that is economical; their inflation rate in the past five years is so far out of hand that marinas that were once less than 500 euro per month are now 3000 to 4000 euros per month.
We plan to head back to the Caribbean this Winter. From there, we don’t know. Or we could winter in Malta or Tunisia, and do another lap next year. Time will tell.
SV SMALL WORLD III Karen & Darren - Bristol 47.7
THANK YOU FOR THE INTRODUCTION!
GOOD NAUTICAL: ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO, SEA OF CORTEZ, MEXICO
GOOD NAUTICAL: ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO, SEA OF CORTEZ, MEXICO
This link is for the northernmost bay on the island. There are many up and down Espiritu Santo. All are interesting and fun to explore. A Park Pass is required and can be obtained in La Paz: https://goodnautical.com/mexico-pacific/anchorage/el-mezteno-isla-espiritu-santo
![Baja California & West Coast of Mexico] - Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc.](https://oceanposse.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/castillo-uai-258x159.jpg)
BARRA DE NAVIDAD - HISTORY
THE LEGAZPI EXPEDITION
Carlos PIZANO Y SAUCEDO
The GOVERNMENTS AND PEOPLE of Mexico and the Philippines celebrate in 1964 the "Year of the Mexican-Filipino Friendship", as a result of a joint agreement reached by Presidents López Mateos and Macapagal, on the occasion of the fourth centenary of the nautical expedition that went to the conquest and pacification of the Philippine Islands.
It was in the early morning of November 21, 1564 that the Spanish-Mexican expedition set out, under the command of the governor Miguel López de Legazpi and the Augustinian friar Andrés de Urdaneta. The expedition set sail from the ancient and historic port of Navidad, now extinct and located on the coast of the present State of Jalisco, in the beautiful bay of Navidad.
Regional authors who have been widely consulted in Guadalajara and Colima have sown doubt and confusion. Some of them have stated in their works that the López de Legazpi expedition set sail from the old port of Salagua, in the territory of what is now the State of Colima. Among them: Friar Antonio Tello, in his Miscellaneous Chronicle of the Holy Province of Xalisco; Friar Pablo de la Purísima Concepción Beaumont, in his Chronicle of the Province of Michoacán; Don Ignacio G. Vizcarra, in his Historical Primer The Conquest of Colima and Don Francisco R. Almada, in his Dictionary of History, Geography and Bibliography of the State of Colima. But both Mr. Vizcarra and Mr. Almada, as well as Dr. Miguel Galindo and almost all the regional authors, did nothing other than draw inspiration from or faithfully copy Tello and Beaumont. Professor Gregorio Torres Quintero, in his famous Cuentos Colimotes, places the departure of the expedition from the port of Santiago, Col. and Eng. José R. Benítez.
Lisciense, maintains in his Graphic History of New Spain, that he left from the port of Manzanillo. It should be noted that Salagua and Santiago were some of the names by which the current Colima port of Manzanillo was originally known in the 16th century.
However, we believe that to date, there is not the slightest doubt that the expedition of López de Legazpi and Urdaneta to the Philippine Islands left from Puerto de la Navidad and not from Salagua. This is already evident and beyond any doubt. It is indicated by almost all the works consulted in our arduous research work, and it is also confirmed by interesting documents - some already published and others still unpublished - that we had the opportunity to consult. The list of documents that clearly and definitively indicate the port of Navidad as the starting point of the expedition are, among others:
"Memories of the things that it seems to me it would be good for the King Our Lord to have news of them so that he may order to provide what is most needed." Memorial sent by Fray Andrés de Urdaneta to King Philip of Spain. May 1560.
"Letter from the Viceroy of Mexico, Don Luis de Velasco to His Majesty on the preparation of the Armada that was to set out to discover the Philippine Islands", Mexico, May 28, 1560.
"Letter from the Viceroy Don Luis de Velasco to Mr. Juan de la Isla, from Vera Cruz, ordering him to send caulkers, carpenters, etc., to Puerto de Navidad." 1560.
"Provision from the Viceroy on the recommendation of Mr. Juan de la Isla, who was heading to Puerto de la Navidad, with a certain amount of gold and ammunition."
"Letter from the Viceroy himself to Mr. Juan de la Isla, on the ships under construction in Puerto de la Navidad."
"Letter from the Viceroy Don Luis de Mendoza to Mr. Juan de la Isla, on the men who fled leaving the work of the ships in Puerto de la Navidad."
"Letter from the Viceroy of New Spain, Don Luis de Velasco, to Mr. Juan de la Isla, on the return of the officers who had left Puerto de la Navidad."
"Letter from Viceroy Luis de Velasco to Mr. Juan de la Isla, on information from the latter regarding his arrival
THE PORT OF CHRISTMAS
at Puerto de la Navidad, with artillery and ammunition and giving him permission to go to Mexico to see his wife."
"Letter from Viceroy Don Luis de Velasco to Mr. Juan de la Isla, ordering him to guard the ships and protect them from any damage."
"Letter from Miguel López de Legazpi to King Philip of Spain on the preparation of the Armada that was to take General Miguel López de Legazpi to the Western Islands," May 26, 1963.
"Letter from the Viceroy of Mexico, Don Luis de Velasco, to His Majesty on the preparation of the Armada that was to take General Miguel López de Legazpi to the discovery of the Philippine Islands," Mexico, February 25, 1564.
"Letter from the Audience of Mexico to His Majesty King Philip, informing him of the death of Viceroy Don Luis de Velasco, which occurred before the armada of General Miguel López de Legazpi left for the Philippines." August 1564.
"Instruction from the Royal Audience of Mexico to Don Miguel López de Legazpi, naming him Governor General by His Majesty for the Pacific Islands", September 19, 1564.
"Letter from General Miguel López de Legazpi to His Majesty on the preparation and upcoming departure of the Armada that said General led to the discovery of the Philippine Islands", Puerto de la Navidad, November 18, 1564.
"The Adelantado Miguel López de Legazpi gives the title of captain of the patache San Lucas to Don Alonso de Arellano", Puerto de la Navidad, November 19, 1564.
"Letter to King Philip and from Fray Andrés de Urdaneta", Puerto de la Navidad, November 20, 1564.
"Order given at sea by General Miguel López de Legazpi on the route that the captains and pilots in the pursuit of their voyage." November 23 or 25, 1564.
"Daily Report of the Navigation made by Miguel López de Legazpi," from Puerto de la Navidad to the Philippines, in 1564.
"Letter that General Miguel López de Legazpi wrote to the King, giving him an account of what happened on his voyage from Puerto de Navidad to that island (Zubu) by a report that accompanies this letter, with various other documents relative to the possessions that he took in the name of his Majesty and the defeats of the pilots of that Armada," Zubu, May 27, 1565.
"Various detailed reports of the events and occurrences of the voyage made by Adelantado Don Miguel López de Legazpi," Zubu, May 27, 1565.
Legazpi in His Majesty's Armada to the Western Islands, from the time it left the Port of Navidad on November 19, 1564, until the end of May, 1565, when it left the Cebu harbor for New Spain." 1565.
"Account of Captain Alonso de Arellano, who went to the Western Islands with Governor and General Miguel López de Legazpi." 1565.
"Detailed account of the events and occurrences of the voyage and journey made by His Majesty's Armada, of which the very illustrious Lord Miguel López de Legazpi was General, in the discovery of the Western Islands; From November 19, 1564, when he left Puerto de Navidad until the end of May of the following year, when he left Puerto de Zubu for New Spain, with the announcement of the arrival of the Armada to those islands, and to discover the return voyage, the flagship "San Pedro", in charge of Captain Felipe de Salcedo, taking with him the chief pilot Esteban Rodríguez, and Rodrigo de Espinosa, pilot who was from the galleon of the Armada itself named "San Juan". Year 1565.
"Copy of a letter from Seville to Miguel Salvador de Valencia, which narrates the fortunate discovery that the Mexicans have made sailing with the Armada that His Majesty ordered to be made in Mexico. With other marvelous things and of great benefit to all of Christianity: they are worthy of being seen and read."
"Relation or Description made by the illustrious lord Antonio de Leyva, mayor for His Majesty, of the town of Ameca." Year 1579.
The title alone of most of the documents in this long account leaves no room for doubt. The expedition left from Puerto de la Navidad, in the territory of the current State of Jalisco.
Recently, Don Felipe Sevilla del Río sent us another document. It contains the declaration of Francisco Toscano Gorjón, an old man of two years of age, resident of Colima and married to Doña María de la Torre, granddaughter of Lic. Diego Pérez de la Torre, who was Governor of New Galicia. The text of Toscano's statement regarding the ships of López de Legazpi, surrendered in the town of Colima in 1612, is as follows:
To the first question he says that he knows the said question because this witness has lived and lives and has resided in this said town for more than sixty years, occasionally with his wife and family and without them, and he has seen the population of it, which was populated by Spaniards, important and qualified people who conquered and populated it, sheltered and maintained it, such as Joan Fernández the Elder, Diego de Cifuentes, Martín de Monjaraz, Gerónimo Flores, and their children and grandchildren and relatives, and others that he does not remember because they have been there for many years, and also Captain Joan de Almesto and Benito Gallegos, most of whom were conquerors of this New Spain and other provinces, with their weapons and horses and at their own expense and mission. In these provinces and New Galicia, helping the population of this town and regions, and was Chief Ensign of the people of Captain and General Francisco de Ibarra and Joan de la Ysla, and assisted as a soldier in the making and manufacturing of ships by order of His Majesty, which were made in Puerto de la Navidad for the discovery of the Philippine Islands, where Miguel López de Legazpi was the discoverer and Admiral Joan Pablo de Carrión, that since the said port was equipped with wood and other supplies for ships and a healthy port, the making of said ships had such a good effect and good success in said voyage to the Philippines, so much so, that the most certain and brief voyage that has been found to this day in said navigation was discovered, according to what has been discussed among the pilots and people who have gone and come to the Islands and according to the news that has had of it. And this answers...
THERE IS A LOT OF DOCUMENTARY AND TESTIMONY PROOF OF THE EXISTENCE of the port of Navidad in the 16th century, which confirms that it did indeed exist when the ships were built and set out to conquer the Philippine Islands in 1564.
Navidad was an ancient and important port in the past. In fact, it can be said that it has a very ancient, interesting and little-known history. Originally it was known by the names of Puerto Santo, Puerto de Cihuatlán, Puerto de Juan Gallego, Puerto de la Purificación, Puerto de la Natividad and Puerto de Xalisco. It was discovered by Captain Juan Fernández de Híjar —founder of Villa Purificación—, around the year 1535, "in a time of great need," as he himself said.
Two ships set sail from that port in June 1530, according to Bernal Díaz del Castillo in his Historia Verdadera de la Conquista de la Nueva España. Captain Francisco de Ulloa was at the head of the ship, ordered by the Royal Court of Mexico to search for Captain Diego Hurtado de Mendoza. The fruitless exploration took seven months, after which they returned to the same port of Xalisco. A few days later, while Ulloa was resting on land, a soldier stabbed him to death.
The adelantado Pedro de Alvarado also landed on this same beach in June 1540 with 500 soldiers. Viceroy Don Antonio de Mendoza arrived with his fleet at the port on December 25, 1540. Precisely because it was Christmas Day, that name was given to the old Port of Cihuatlán or Juan Gallego. On November 19, 1542, an expedition of six ships led by adelantado Pedro de Alvarado set sail for the Western Islands. It was led by Ruy López de Villalobos, who named them the "Philippine Islands" after the future King Philip II, then Prince of Asturias. On June 27, 1543, two ships of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo set sail from this port, exploring the northern coast. In 1563, supplies and ammunition were brought in for the fleet that would go to the Philippine Islands, with López de Legazpi and Urdaneta. But on May 27 of that year, there was a strong earthquake that ruined the preparations. Viceroy Don Luis de Velasco agreed to repair the damage with Indians from Colima, Tuxpan, Ameca and the Province of Ávalos, and from Navidad himself. On November 21, 1564, the expedition led by adelantado Miguel López de Legazpi and friar Andrés de Urdaneta set out from Puerto de Navi¬dad towards the Philippine Islands. On October 19, 1565, the ship "San Pedro" arrived at the same port, carrying friar Andrés de Urdaneta from the island of Cebu, also in the Philippines.
On August 11, 1587, two ships and a boat of English privateers arrived at Puerto de Navi¬dad. They came under the command of Tomás Candrerey de Gembley, by order of the Queen of England, to discover the Strait of Labrador. Diego de Olivera, in charge of watching the coast, limited himself to spying on their movements and did not dare to present himself to them. Seven days after the English corsairs had left, Captain General Luis de Carvajal de la Cueva, Governor of the New Kingdom of Leon, arrived in Na¬vidad, sent by the Audience of Guadalajara, and was informed of the punishable acts committed in the place, including the burning of the houses. Only a wooden cross that the expeditionaries López de Legazpi and Urdaneta had left behind before their departure to the Philippines remained standing, intact.
The mayor of Ameca, Don Antonio de Leyva, admitted that a large part of the Indians of Ameca died taking material to Navidad. Material that was used for the construction of the ships that went to China, that is, the Philippines. This is what he points out in his Relación de Ameca, from 1579.
As soon as Viceroy Luis de Velasco died, the Audience of Mexico ordered the destruction of the shipyard of Na¬vidad. By 1564, this had already happened. When Juan Pablo Carrión reported this to the King of Spain on September 11, he suggested the convenience of building another shipyard in Tehuantepec or Acapulco. Fortunately, then, the construction of the ships that went to the conquest and pacification of the Philippine archipelago was completed. With the destruction of the Navidad shipyard, the life of that ancient and legendary port of Xalisco was extinguished.
It should be noted that before the expedition of López de Legazpi to the Philippines, Friar Andrés de Urdaneta had already been in the famous port of Navidad. He had come with the adelantado Pedro de Alvarado when the latter wanted to combine his ventures in the South Sea with those of the Viceroy Don Antonio de Mendoza. Urdaneta was among the captains who participated in the pacification of the Indians of New Galicia who had risen up. Then, on February 6, 1543, Viceroy Don Antonio de Mendoza gave Urdaneta the position of Corregidor in half of the towns of Ávalos, in Sayula. Later he asked him to visit the towns surrounding his corregimiento in his capacity as Visitor, which is why he had to visit the port.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHIPS that the adelantado López de Legazpi and the Augustinian friar Urdaneta used in the expedition to the Philippines, took place in the port of Navidad, not in Salagua or Acapulco, as some authors have claimed. By order of the Viceroy Don Luis de Velasco, Juan Pablo Carrión was put in charge of their direction, from 1559. Consequently, it seems to us that the testimony of the builder of the ships that went to the conquest of the Philippines is not only important, but conclusive, definitive. Well, Juan Pablo Carrión addressed King Philip II of Spain from Mexico City, on September 2, 1564, reporting on the armada built in the Port of Navidad. Here is the text of the document in question, in the part that interests us for the present study:
Royal Catholic Majesty:
Last year fifty-eight I went from this city by order of the Viceroy Don Luis de Velasco to give Your Majesty an account of the order and manner in which the fleet that was beginning to be formed for the discovery of the Western Islands was to be held, as a man who was clear about both navigation and those islands, having been there and being one of those who escaped from the fleet that Viceroy Don Antonio de Mendoza sent there last year forty-two, which is coming to Lisbon by way of the Portuguese, because the said fleet had been lost and dismantled, of which Your Majesty has already had notice; and because I have followed the sea from that time forward in the service of Your Majesty, I was given credit and it seemed to the Viceroy Don. Luis de Velasco and the others who were discussing this matter in his presence, my reasons being good, he ordered me to go and give an account of it to Your Majesty, and while Your Majesty was away from the kingdoms of Castile, he should give an account of it to the Council of the Indies, and at the time that I arrived at Court, which at that time was in Valladolid, Your Majesty was in Flanders, I discussed the matter with the Council of the Indies and with the resolution of it I immediately returned to this land, and when the said Viceroy saw the dispatches that I brought, he ordered me to go to Puerto de la Navidad, which is in the South Sea, where they were beginning to build the said ships for the said voyage..
LAND TRIP: DELTA SWIZZLER BEATS THE MEXICAN HEAT AT 5000'
LAND TRIP: MV DELTA SWIZZLER CREW
BEATS THE MEXICAN HEAT AT 5000'
Mexico is known for so much: rich history, relics of ancient civilizations to modern cities, colorful art, lively music and dancing, and flavorful food to name a few. Mark and Cindy on MV DELTA SWIZZLER have been members of the Posse since the beginning. They have travelled down from California through the Panama Canal and back to Mexico over many years. Currently, they are beating the heat at sea level and enjoying some of Mexico's many and varied communities at higher elevations inland. Travelling inland is an excellent way to see more of what Mexico has to offer.
MV DELTA SWIZZLER 
Mark & Cindy - Vantare 58
STAY COOL AND THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES INLAND
GOOD NAUTICAL ON THE WEST COAST OF THE BAJA: BAHIA SAN QUINTIN
GOOD NAUTICAL ON THE WEST COAST OF THE BAJA:
BAHIA SAN QUINTIN, MEXICO 
30° 23.7384′ N, 115° 55.5760′ W
Posse members on the West Coast are beginning to set their sights on the southbound journey. Consider a stopover in Bahia San Quintin on the west cost of the Baja Peninsula. Whale watching, sport fishing and fantastic seafood bring tourists to San Quintin. Oysters, mussels and abalones are harvested from the crystal clear waters of the bay so please avoid dumping waste of any kind overboard. The lagoon provides great opportunities for dinghy exploration and the remains of an abandoned British colony lie in the shore of the inner bay.
Anchorage
The anchorage on the east side of the bay is open to the SW and feels quite exposed with surf breaking even a mile offshore. Anchor on a sandy bottom in 5-10m just outside the shoal line which is marked by small breakers.
https://goodnautical.com/mexico-pacific/anchorage/bahia-san-quintin
Bahia San Quintin
Bahía San Quintín, located on the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico, is a hidden gem for sailors seeking an authentic and tranquil maritime adventure. This natural harbor, about 190 nautical miles south of San Diego, offers a unique blend of pristine beauty, rich marine life, and a glimpse into the unspoiled wilderness of Baja California.
Geography and Navigation
Bahía San Quintín is a broad, sheltered bay framed by volcanic hills and sandy beaches, providing excellent protection from the Pacific’s swells. The bay is about 6 miles wide and 11 miles long, offering ample anchorage space with good holding ground in sand and mud. The entrance to the bay can be tricky, especially for first-time visitors, due to shifting sandbars and shallow areas. It is advisable to enter during daylight with good visibility and to use updated nautical charts. Depth sounders and GPS are essential tools for navigating safely into the bay.
Weather and Climate
The climate in Bahía San Quintín is typically mild and dry, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and mild, wet winters. Fog can be a common occurrence, especially in the mornings, so sailors should be prepared for reduced visibility at times. Winds are predominantly from the northwest, providing favorable sailing conditions for those heading south.
Flora and Fauna
Bahía San Quintín is a haven for nature lovers. The bay and its surrounding areas are home to a diverse array of wildlife. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the presence of numerous bird species, including the endangered black brant, as well as various shorebirds and waterfowl. The bay’s waters teem with marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and snorkeling. Anglers can expect to catch species such as halibut, sea bass, and yellowtail.
Activities and Attractions
For sailors looking to stretch their legs, the area offers plenty of onshore activities. The surrounding landscape is perfect for hiking, with trails leading through volcanic rock formations and coastal dunes. The nearby fishing village of San Quintín provides a glimpse into the local culture and an opportunity to sample fresh seafood, particularly the region’s renowned oysters and clams. Visiting the local oyster farms can be a fascinating experience, offering insights into the aquaculture practices that sustain the local economy.
Services and Facilities
While Bahía San Quintín is relatively undeveloped compared to more popular tourist destinations, it offers essential services for visiting sailors. There are a few basic facilities, including fuel, provisions, and some repair services available in the village of San Quintín. It is advisable to stock up on necessary supplies before arriving, as options may be limited. For those needing more extensive services, the port of Ensenada, located about 130 nautical miles to the north, provides a wider range of amenities, including marinas, chandleries, and professional repair services.
Conservation and Sustainability
Bahía San Quintín is part of a protected natural area, and visitors are encouraged to respect the environment and practice sustainable boating. Efforts to preserve the bay’s natural beauty and biodiversity are ongoing, and sailors can contribute by following Leave No Trace principles, minimizing waste, and avoiding damage to sensitive habitats such as seagrass beds and bird nesting areas.
Conclusion
Bahía San Quintín offers a serene and rewarding destination for sailors looking to explore the less-traveled waters of Baja California. Its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for those seeking to experience the unspoiled charm of Mexico’s Pacific coast. Whether anchoring in its calm waters, exploring its diverse ecosystems, or engaging with the local community, sailors will find Bahía San Quintín to be a memorable and enriching part of their maritime journey.
Landing on the Beach in High Surf
Landing on the beach in high surf at Bahía San Quintín can be challenging and requires careful planning and execution. The key to a successful landing is timing and understanding the wave patterns. It is essential to observe the surf for a period to identify any lulls between sets of larger waves. When ready, approach the beach at a 90-degree angle, maintaining enough speed to stay ahead of the breaking waves. As you near the shore, reduce speed and be prepared to jump out and pull the dinghy up the beach swiftly to avoid it being swamped by incoming waves. Ensure all equipment and passengers are secure, and wear appropriate safety gear such as life jackets. Landing in high surf can be risky, so if conditions seem too dangerous, it might be best to wait for calmer seas or find a more sheltered landing spot within the bay.
Bahia San Quintin
